Now Open! Come visit the historic Rock Island Lighthouse on the beautiful St. Lawrence Seaway. When you visit, climb the stairs of the lighthouse and enjoy a bird's eye view from the lantern room. Tour the museum in the keeper’s quarters and learn about the history of the island, its keepers, and the magnificent St. Lawrence River. Walk the island and take home a souvenir from the gift shop.

The Rock Island Lighthouse is located in the Thousand Islands, about 4.5 miles northeast of Clayton, Jefferson County, NY, off of Fisher's Landing. Docking is available to private craft and those aboard Clayton Island Boat Tours. For private vessels, Grass Point State Park is the closest launch site (about a 5 minute boat ride to the island). The island is partially accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

Weddings and special events-bookings available. Please call (315) 775-6886 for moreinformation and rental rates. Events are by permit only.

Hours of Operation

Open 5/16/19 – 9/22/19, Hours of Operation: 10:00 – 5:00 pm- 5/16/19 – 6/19/19 (Non-Peak open 5 days a week/Closed on Tues/Wed)- 6/20/19 – 9/2/19 (Peak Season open 7 days a week)- 9/3/19 – 9/22/19 (Non- Peak open 5 Days a week/Closed on Tues/Wed)

The Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters are open to the public from 5/16 - 9/22. (See here for fee information.)

The lighthouse lantern room is open and visitors can climb the circular staircase. This activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

A museum and a gift shop are also available to visitors.

NYS Parks has partnered with Clayton Island Tours to offer a special "Rock Island Tour" with a one hour stopover at the Island. Contact Clayton Island Tours for tour times and fees at 315-686-4820 or on the web at www.ClaytonIslandTours.com.

Inquire about weddings and special events by calling (315) 775-6886.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

Admission

Adults - $3Children 6-12: $2 Children under 6: Free

Private Boat Access/Dockage

No charge

Commissioned in 1847, the fifty-foot Rock Island Lighthouse was one of six lights built along the St. Lawrence River to guide traffic to and from Lake Ontario. Even after being refitted in 1855, rebuilt in 1882, and moved in 1903, the Rock Island station has been extremely well-preserved. The light was closed in 1955 after more than a century of service. New York State took ownership of the island in 1977 and began a restoration project in recent years to make the site open to public touring.